| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Barlaam and Ioasaph by St. John of Damascus: rejoicing in the grace of God until evenfall. Then stood they up
for to pray and to perform the sacred services. Then also
remembered they that it was meal-time, and Barlaam spread his
lavish table, laden with spiritual dainties, but with little to
attract the palate of sense. These were uncooked worts, and a
few dates, planted and tended by Barlaam's own hands, such as are
found in the same desert, and wild herbs. So they gave thanks
and partook of the victuals set before them, and drank water from
the neighbour springing well, and again gave thanks to God, who
openeth his hand and filleth all things living. Then they arose
again, and, when they had ended their Night Hours, after prayer,
|
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from When the Sleeper Wakes by H. G. Wells: a brilliant interesting world.
His glance went approvingly over the shifting
colours of the people, it rested here and there in kindly
criticism upon a face. Presently it occurred to him
that he owed some apology to the charming little person
with the red hair and blue eyes. He felt guilty of
a clumsy snub. It was not princely to ignore her
advances, even if his policy necessitated their rejection.
He wondered if he should see her again. And
suddenly a little thing touched all the glamour of this
brilliant gathering and changed its quality.
When the Sleeper Wakes |
